Journal
TRENDS IN CELL BIOLOGY
Volume 22, Issue 3, Pages 125-132Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2011.12.001
Keywords
secreted microRNA; circulating microRNA; microvesicle; exosome; high-density lipoprotein; RISC; Argonaute2; intercellular communication
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Funding
- National Natural Science Foundation of China [90813035, 81101330, 81171661, 30988003, 30890044, 30772484, 30725008, 30890032, 31071232, 31000323, 90608010, J1103512]
- Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province [BK2011013]
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [1107020839]
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In multicellular organisms, cell-to-cell communication is of particular importance for the proper development and function of the organism as a whole. Intensive studies over the past three years suggesting horizontal transfer of secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) between cells point to a potentially novel role for these molecules in intercellular communication. Using a microvesicle-dependent, or RNA-binding protein-associated, active trafficking system, secreted miRNAs can be delivered into recipient cells where they function as endogenous miRNAs, simultaneously regulating multiple target genes or signaling events. In this Opinion, we summarize recent literature on the biogenesis and uptake of secreted miRNAs, propose a possible working model for how secreted miRNAs might be sorted and transferred between cells and speculate on their biological significance.
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